Samsung kicks off Linux on DeX private beta: Here’s how to get in on the action

The beta program currently includes the Galaxy Note 9 and Galaxy Tab S4.

Registration closes on December 14, so you still have more than a month to sign up.

Samsung DeX is a pretty handy bit of software in theory, giving users a computer-style experience when hooked up to the big screen. The company announced it was bringing Linux to DeX last year, and it’s finally launched the beta program this week.

The Korean firm sent an email to users who had previously pre-registered their interest in Linux on DeX, notifying them of the beta program’s launch. Once you’ve registered via the email (or the Linux on DeX website), Samsung will send users a confirmation email and a follow-up message with instructions to download the Linux on DeX app. Then again, I haven’t received the latter email just yet, so don’t expect to be up and running within minutes.

In any event, the beta is a private affair at this point, and supports the Galaxy Note 9 and Galaxy Tab S4 right now. Samsung hasn’t clarified whether other devices, such as the Galaxy S9, Galaxy Note 8, and Galaxy S8 will eventually receive the app.

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The Linux on DeX app supports the Ubuntu 16.04 LTS distribution, and requires at least 8GB of storage space and 4GB of RAM. The latter figure suggests that older flagships might be supported yet. Programs also need to be built for the ARM 64-bit architecture, so it seems like you won’t be able to run any old Linux program.

The registration page is accessible via the button below. You’ll need a Google account to sign up and a Samsung account to actually use the service. Sign-ups end on December 14, 2018, so you’ve still got over a month to spare.